‘JOIN THE REGULARS AROUND THE BIG TABLE’

If you’re seeking great roads and honest grub you won’t go far wrong

The broad swathe of countryside between London and the south coast is a popular biking playground. Whether you’re looking to link up traditional seaside towns or delve into the back roads across the South Downs, there’s a huge amount on offer and that extends to pitstops too. This week we’re following up on a tip off to investigate a local’s favourite, Billy’s on the Road, near Billingshurst, West Sussex – close to the busy-but-great A272, sandwiched (see what we did there?) between the South Downs and High Weald. Billy’s, as with many roadside eateries, is actually sited at what used to be a Little Chef, and like most of those that have followed this pattern, it’s all the better for being chain-free. Our Saturday morning visit is met with a warm, vibrant atmosphere and we take a seat with a group of regulars on the ‘big table’, which also happens to feature a giant model railway beneath the glass surface. Harley-riding Steve lives 30 miles away, but is a twice-aweek regular at Billy’s. “It’s well worth the journey,” says Steve. “The food is really nice and it’s brilliant value for money, too.” “Billy’s is getting more and more popular,” adds ex-Wall of Death rider Chris Lee, who is a big fan of the home-made apple crumble. “But even when it’s busy you don’t have to wait long for your grub.”

Jacquie Vigor was out on her first big bike having just passed her test. “It’s a nice place to stop,” she says. “The service is good, the food is nice and the surroundings are lovely.” We ordered ‘Billy’s Big Breakfast’ with a mug of builder’s tea, and sure enough we weren’t kept waiting. Cooked fresh to order with quality ingredients, something that Billy herself, owner Victoria Wilson, insists on, it certainly left us satisfied and refuelled for another stint in the saddle on the top roads that spread from Billy’s front door.